Why was the Arkansas River basin population of the Arkansas River shiner listed as threatened species?
Survival of the species is threatened by habitat destruction and modification from stream dewatering or depletion due to diversion of surface water and groundwater pumping, construction of impoundments, and water quality degradation. Competition with the non-indigenous Red River shiner Notropis bairdi also contributed to diminished distribution and abundance in the Cimarron River. Incidental capture of the Arkansas River shiner during pursuit of commercial bait fish species also may contribute to reduced population sizes. Drought and other natural factors also threaten the existence of the species. Q: What can a landowner do to enhance habitat for the Arkansas River shiner? A: The Service provides assistance to landowners who want to improve or restore habitat on their property through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program as well as other Service programs. Other State and Federal agencies also offer financial and technical assistance programs to landowners for habitat improvement
